flash of flesh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flash of flesh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a brief or sudden glimpse of skin or body, often in a vivid or striking manner. Example: "As she turned quickly, there was a flash of flesh that caught everyone's attention in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

Fashion

Art

Sexuality

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Offer a flash of flesh.

The Guardian

But there was not so much as a flash of flesh, male or female.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There was a sexy edge to the collection, as strict leather skirts opened to show a flash of flesh and a garter belt.

The New York Times

Curvy jodhpurs were swiftly overtaken by swingy pleated dresses or by shorts, leaving the requisite flash of flesh at the thigh above the riding boots.

The New York Times

There were, as always at Lanvin, choices, including gaudy baubles for those who do not want tailoring with a saucy flash of flesh.

The New York Times

McBride's content department — eight guys who spend their workweek capturing screen shots of any flash of flesh — is working hard to keep up with the new technology.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But even there, the focus was on slim shapes with geometric lines or with slithers of lace showing flashes of flesh.

The New York Times

The dress is risqué enough, but underneath it Williams has been wearing skin-coloured underwear, giving the occasional illusion of flashes of flesh.

Independent

Such is the regularity of these incidents a new phrase has been coined: "nipslip" to describe such unintended flashes of flesh.

Independent

When the two finally make love, we get mere flashes of flesh in the shower: her arm, his back, her hip.

The New Yorker

And so, in place of the requisite (read terminal) red carpet procession of boring but nice, retro, strapless, corseted, fishtail-hemmed gowns in polite shades of beige, came that Cannes heritage fashion statement, the gratuitous flashing of flesh – courtesy of everyone from model Eva Herzigova who has very long legs to Cheryl Cole whose décolletage was certainly striking.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flash of flesh" to create a sense of intrigue or to subtly suggest sensuality or impropriety without being overly explicit.

Common error

Avoid using "flash of flesh" in formal or professional writing, as it may be considered too suggestive or inappropriate for such settings. Opt for more neutral language to describe exposure or appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flash of flesh" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a sentence or prepositional phrase. It describes a brief or sudden glimpse of skin. Ludwig shows this in various examples related to fashion, art, and general descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

The Economist

10%

Less common in

Vice

4%

Science Magazine

2%

The New Yorker

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flash of flesh" is a noun phrase used to describe a brief glimpse of skin, often with suggestive or intriguing connotations. Ludwig's examples showcase its prevalence in news, fashion, and artistic contexts. The phrase is grammatically sound and generally accepted, though it's advisable to avoid its use in highly formal or professional settings. Alternatives like ""fleeting glimpse of skin"" or ""hint of nudity"" may be more suitable depending on the desired tone. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, particularly when aiming to create a vivid or striking impression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting glimpse of skin

Replaces "flash" with "fleeting glimpse" to emphasize the briefness and replaces "flesh" with "skin".

hint of nudity

Substitutes the literal "flash of flesh" with a more suggestive and indirect expression.

momentary exposure of skin

Replaces "flash" with "momentary exposure" and retains "skin" to highlight the brief and uncovered nature.

brief view of skin

Replaces "flash" with "brief view" and retains "skin", focusing on the quick sighting.

glimpse of bare skin

Specifies that the skin is "bare", adding a layer of explicitness.

fleeting nudity

A shorter, more direct way to express the idea of briefly seeing someone nude.

hint of skin

Uses "hint" to imply a suggestion rather than an explicit display, making it more subtle.

suggestion of nudity

Emphasizes that it is only a suggestion of nudity, not a full reveal.

naked revelation

Indicates a more significant exposure, but still fleeting.

exposed skin

Focuses directly on the fact that the skin is exposed, without necessarily implying brevity.

FAQs

How can "flash of flesh" be used in a sentence?

You can use "flash of flesh" to describe a quick, often unintentional, reveal of skin. For instance, "The dancer's dress offered a "flash of flesh" as she leaped across the stage".

What can I say instead of "flash of flesh"?

Alternatives include phrases like "fleeting glimpse of skin", "hint of nudity", or "momentary exposure of skin" depending on the context.

Is "flash of flesh" appropriate in formal writing?

Generally, "flash of flesh" is not appropriate for formal writing. It's better suited for creative writing, fashion commentary, or contexts where suggestive language is acceptable. Use more neutral terms in formal settings.

What's the connotation of the phrase "flash of flesh"?

The phrase "flash of flesh" often carries a connotation of sensuality, intrigue, or impropriety. It suggests a brief, often surprising or enticing, glimpse of skin, which can be used to create a specific mood or highlight a particular moment.